Before exploring the wings of type Seven, the characteristics of normal Seven leaders are the following. The first strength of Seven leaders is to combine various information into one integrated idea (Palmer, 1995). This ability is so important in the business world. That is because a lot of managerial information is reported to CEOs every day. So, the important role of CEOs is to judge whether the information is critical for their companies or not. After discerning the information, CEOs have to pick up some significant information for their companies. Then, CEOs should draw up a comprehensive management plan based on the important information. This is the first strength of type Seven CEOs. In addition, the second strength is “Seven leaders are strong on positive future visioning” (Palmer, 1995, p. 193). In a word, Seven CEOs may be able to spearhead their companies drawing a big picture. This ability will be important in the early phase of the companies or in the initial step of new business.
Although Seven CEOs have great advantages like the above points, Seven CEOs have mainly two weaknesses. The first weakness is that it is difficult for Seven CEOs to make a decision because they tend to come up with one idea then the next like endless waves in the sea. This may lead to big losses in their companies. That is because the modern competitive business world requires CEOs to make a quick decision. If a decision is delayed, it may miss the important opportunity to make a profit, or in the worst case, the company may be forced to withdraw from the market. Regarding this point, Seven CEOs may be more careful to recognize the importance of a quick decision. In addition, the second weakness is that Seven CEOs “find it hard to see their own mistakes” (Palmer, 1995, p. 194). This is not a preferable characteristic for leaders because people who lead others need to have honesty. Who follows leaders without honesty? Honesty is the key factor to build a good relationship with others. In that sense, Seven CEOs may cultivate their integrity to acknowledge their mistakes.
Next, about Seven CEOs with a Six Wing, they are often called entertainers. They have mainly two strengths and weaknesses. The first strength of Seven CEOs with a Six Wing is that they are creative and joyful, and they can draw a positive outlook for their company. Riso and Hudson (1999) point out the characteristic like this “They are often curious and creative, with an excellent sense of humor and a more positive outlook than the other subtype” (p. 266). This type of CEOs may fit with entertainment companies or companies which drift into a period of stagnation, because the former companies need creative and humorous CEOs and the latter companies need optimistic CEOs who have positive outlooks and can take a positive action. The second strength is that they “have quick minds, a cooperative spirit, and organizational abilities” (Riso & Hudson, 1999, p. 266). They may be able to come up with various useful ideas or corporate strategies because of their smartness and to work with subordinates smoothly and supportively in virtue of their cooperative spirit.
However, there are mainly two weaknesses in Seven CEOs with a Six Wing. The first weaknesss is that they can’t sometimes concentrate on one idea or one goal because of their busy mind when they are fall into average conditions of the type seven. In other words, they always look for something new and then they sometimes can’t attain their initial goal. Therefore, this type of CEOs may need to think about what they should do now not to lose sight of the objective. The second weakness is that they tend to seek for strong experiences. As a result, they sometimes are like manic (Riso & Hudson, 1999), and they may not be able to control themselves because of their intense emotions. However, as a top of companies, CEOs should have cool heads and objectify themselves in a calm manner.
Lastly, regarding Seven CEOs with an Eight Wing, they are often called realists. There are two strengths and weaknesses in Seven CEOs with an Eight Wing. The first strength is that they can “think strategically and can rapidly organize their internal and external resources in pursuit of their desires” (Riso & Hudson, 1999, p. 266). Considering that the modern business world is very competitive, CEOs come under pressure to put forward better corporate strategies. In that sense, CEOs who have strategic minds may be important leaders in the modern business world. In addition, as for the second strength, they are tough-minded and practical. The modern business environment is not only competitive but also rapidly changeable. In the situation, CEOs are required to think practically and behave consistently in order to accomplish the goal. Thus, Seven CEOs with an Eight Wing may be regarded as invaluable leaders in those situations.
Although they can be great leaders, there are the following two weaknesses. With respect to the first weakness, as Riso and Hudson (1999) point out, they “tend to be more workaholic than the other subtype, coming from the strong desire to accumulate possessions and experiences” (p. 266). In the modern business world, a volume of CEOs’ works becomes more and more increasing issues. Seven CEOs with an Eight Wing need take care of themselves in order to avoid workaholic. Moreover, the second weakness is that they are likely to focus on generating ideas rather than connect with others. It is certainly important for CEOs to create new ideas to grow their companies more. However, it is more important to collaborate closely with others in order to attain corporate goals. For this reason, Seven CEOs with an Eight Wing may require attentions not to focus on generating new ideas too much, but to build a good relationship with subordinates.
Reference
2 Discovering Your Personality Type: The Essential Introduction to the Enneagram, Revised and Expanded
